Methods to Prevent Suicide in Bipolar People

Suicide is a leading cause of death among bipolar people.The main symptoms of bipolar are manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.This leads to moods and behaviors which they can't control.Bipolar people are at a higher risk of attempting or committing suicide because their condition is chronic.With the right support for bipolar disorder, bipolar people can effectively manage their symptoms and prevent suicide.There are different methods to prevent suicide in bipolar people.Recognizing the warning signs of suicide and risk factors can help to prevent suicide in bipolar people.Establishing a strong connection with family and friends reduces the risk of suicide in bipolar people.Getting treatment and maintaining long-term treatment is another effective way to prevent suicide in bipolar people.Healthy habits and lifestyle changes would also help to prevent the risk of suicide.A strong social community would also help bipolar people maintain a strong connection with their community, seek help and prevent suicide.Read on to gain insights on how to prevent suicide in bipolar people.

Recognize Warning Signs Early

Behaviors such as feelings of despair and hopelessness, rapid mood shifts, talking about death, writing a suicide note, substance use, and giving out possessions are suicide warning signs.If you're unsure whether their behavior is suicide warning signs, you can talk to them and point out the behavior that worries you.If they are justifying their actions or their response is such that they are contemplating suicide, seek immediate help.Also, watch out for suicide risk factors such as previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, access to lethal weapons or means, isolation, and a recent life-altering event such as a relationship breakdown.Remove any object or means of harm around them. Their health and safety should be your priority.Addressing the warning symptoms and risk factors once you notice them would prevent them from getting worse.When bipolar people talk to you about their feelings, acknowledge them without judgment and show that you're there for them.If you feel like they are likely to put themselves in danger, contact their doctor immediately, call 911, or take them to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Strong Support Network

A strong family, social network, and support are highly important for bipolar people.This is one major way to prevent suicide in bipolar people.Maintaining a strong network of families and friends who love and support you helps to reduce the likelihood of suicide in bipolar people.As family and friends of bipolar people, learn all you can about the risk factors of suicide in bipolar people.You also need to be alert and watch out for suicide warning signs especially the first weeks after their diagnosis or after they have been discharged from the hospital.Special holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays are also periods to monitor them closely.If you notice any warning signs, encourage them to speak to a mental health professional or contact their doctor.No strange behavior should be ignored.Never neglect their feelings or isolate them.Show them unwavering love and support as they navigate living with the condition.

Treatment

Bipolar is a lifelong condition that needs to be treated and managed effectively.Treatment is an effective method to prevent suicide in bipolar people.A person that has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder must get treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.This can greatly reduce their risk of suicide or prevent the person from committing suicide.Medication and therapy are the two major treatments for bipolar people.A combination of both treatments to manage the symptoms is more effective.Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy are examples of therapy treatment for bipolar people.You and your healthcare professional need to work out a comprehensive plan for your treatment.As a bipolar person, ensure that you attend your appointments regularly and you use your medications as prescribed.Long-term treatment and management of bipolar disorder reduce the risk of suicide.While abandoning, your treatment can worsen your symptoms, cause withdrawal effects, and increase the risk of suicide.You also need the help and support of your family while getting treatment.Family-focused therapy is a good way for you to include your family in your treatment plan.It will help you stick to and follow your treatment plan.Even after you have been discharged from the hospital, stay in touch with your doctor and update them as soon as you notice any strange behavior or mood change.

Practice Healthy Habits

Bipolar people are prone to reckless habits such as neglecting their health and welfare, appearance, substance abuse, and reckless driving.These habits can interfere with your treatment and health.Practicing healthy habits is another effective method to prevent suicide in bipolar people.Your healthcare practitioner can recommend healthy lifestyle changes you can adopt.You can also identify activities or healthy habits that help you to cope with your symptoms.Healthy lifestyle changes, including exercise, yoga, sleeping well, and a balanced diet, would greatly help to improve your health.Exercise improves your mood and is a great stress reliever.You can also participate in activities with family and friends, such as walking, hanging out, and playing games.Be careful to avoid situations that can trigger your mood change.Regularly track your moods so that you can understand them and easily identify what triggers them.Avoid unhealthy habits such as drug and alcohol abuse or irregular sleep schedule as they can worsen your symptoms.Note that a lifestyle change is not a substitute for getting treatment.Rather, they complement your treatment.

Strong Social Institutions

Communities need to provide a public health approach to teaching healthy coping strategies to the public.They could also teach effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.This would help bipolar people manage the symptoms they're facing.They would also learn to seek support when in need and go through life challenges rather than committing suicide.Social institutions can also connect people with quality healthcare.They can collaborate with the government, hospitals, and healthcare professionals to provide quality care for people with bipolar.Being surrounded by strong institutions would help bipolar people to see beyond their depressive feelings, despair, and hopelessness and choose to live.It also helps them to be honest and open about their thoughts and to share them without fear of judgment.

Conclusion

A bipolar person needs support for bipolar disorder, so they are not prone to suicide.The methods to prevent suicide in bipolar people are recognizing warning signs early, strong support networks, prompt treatment, adopting healthy habits, and strong social institutions.

Resources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9294-bipolar-disorder

https://www.dbsalliance.org/crisis/suicide-prevention-information/

https://www.healthline.com/health/suicide-and-bipolar#when-to-seek-help

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/suicide-prevention